DICKBLICK. I know that name sounds very funny, but let me tell you. BLICK is the artist supply dreamland. I was driving and calling all over Chicago to get a pair Canvas Pliers. Now if you’re stretching your own canvas, this tool is sincerely needed. You can use your bare hands, but the canvas will not be tight enough.

So I called one of my favorite stores…Hobby Lobby. I kindly asked the representative if they sold canvas pliers for stretching canvas. She stated that they did not sell that item, but we do have canvas. Then I called Michaels, and I was 90% sure that they had what I needed so I went to Michaels without even calling. And with great disappointment, another one of my favorite stores did not have the item I was looking for. So something clicked in my mind and said BLICK! Let’s see what DickBlick.com has to offer. I first called that New location on SAIC Campus. The representative told me that they didn’t sell it. However, the location downtown sells it. So I thought again about the Michaels scenario, and was thinking about the previous disappointment. Then my next option would be to search on Ebay or Amazon for the most affordable price, then wait about a week to receive the product. So my first thought was To Hell with waiting….I want these pliers NOW!

So I drove to the downtown location on 42 S. State St. OMG!!!!! I was in Art Heaven…this place has everything a successful artist need. They have an overwhelming array of merchandise on the first and upper level. I was AMAZED….paints, canvas, brushes, projectors, wood panels, easels, and of course canvas pliers. Also, they are having a Mega Sale called the BLICK Spring SALE. Paints will be 30-60% OFF. BLICK Museum Canvas 70% OFF. Selected Easels up to 70% Off. They are also having a FREE Class on Stretching Canvas. Before I forget, while I was writing I just remembered how this thought came to mind about BLICK. I was having an art chat with Martha Wade. You can also check out her phenomenal work on her blog at www.wadecreate.com. Thank you Martha. So please check out DickBlick.com or find a local store in your area and be astonished. I know I was…